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House approves Political Terrorism Prevention Act, raising penalties for politically motivated violence
Summary
The House passed a substitute for Senate Bill 13, the Political Terrorism Prevention Act, increasing penalties for politically motivated crimes and adding aggravated sentencing factors; sponsors framed the vote as protecting free speech and public safety.
The North Carolina House on Sept. 23 approved the House committee substitute for Senate Bill 13, labeled on the floor as the Political Terrorism Prevention Act, advancing stiffer penalties for crimes motivated by a target’s political views or activity.
Representative Jones, the bill’s lead floor sponsor, told colleagues the measure was intended to deter politically motivated attacks and to make clear that “if you attack someone for their politics, that is political terrorism.” The bill raises sentencing ranges for politically motivated felonies, elevates certain offenses an additional class, and—per floor remarks—makes some politically motivated murders eligible for the death penalty where statutory criteria apply.
Supporters argued the measure is nonpartisan and necessary to protect public servants and political advocates from targeted violence. Representative Gable framed the bill as a defense of First Amendment activity and urged colleagues to send a clear signal that political violence will not be tolerated in North Carolina.
Some members urged the chamber to broaden the bill in committee to also address hate crimes and other bias‑motivated violence; Representative Butler Rice and others said that would strengthen the measure. The House committee substitute passed recorded second reading by 105‑6 and subsequently passed third reading by voice; the substitute will be returned to the Senate.
